Sam’s Favorite Video Games
Found below are the video games I’ve highlighted on my “Favorites” page since launching my site.
The Last of Us Part II
added july 20, 2020
“The Last of Us” is my favorite game of all time. When I first beat it years ago, I thought it and its DLC, “Left Behind,” told an amazing story that shouldn’t be continued. Seven years after the original’s release, “Part II” proves the story of “The Last of Us” was not done, and I’m very happy it continued. “Part II” is a vast improvement on the gameplay of the original, improving the mobility, level design and combat. The story is ambitious, packing in plenty of twists, set pieces and beautiful moments of humanity. It’s a riveting, perfectly-paced experience that I will be thinking about for a long time.
Dreams
added may 18, 2020
“Dreams” is not an easy game to describe. At its core, it’s a game creation network, one where players can make and share games, art, music and more for others to play or use in their own creations. Media Molecule has taken the “Play, Create, Share” mantra of its “LittleBigPlanet” series and expanded it to a near unfathomable degree. Arcade shooters, animated shows, turn-based RPGs, original music and more are feasible within “Dreams,” a game where the possibilities are basically as limitless as your imagination. With a beautiful Media Molecule campaign, great tutorials, robust creation suite and many inspiring creations out there, “Dreams” is a wonderful world of games and creators worth joining.
Control
added january 30, 2020
“Control” is like a lost Christopher Nolan movie. While not obsessed with time, “Control” is a stylish sci-fi story that mixes an intriguing world with cool characters and stunning set pieces. It’s also the best superhero game I’ve played since Insomniac’s “Spider-Man,” as I loved the powers and ability progression in “Control.” Remedy Entertainment truly wowed me with their art design and world building. The Oldest House was one of the weirdest settings I’ve ever explored, and it was my pleasure to do so.
Resident Evil 2 (2019 Remake)
added september 1, 2019
I have a complicated history with horror games. I get too scared or sweaty to play them on my own, so I take turns playing them with friends who make jokes to relieve the tension. I was ready to pass on “Resident Evil 2,” a remake of the 1998 critical darling. But after hearing people call it 2019’s best game so far, I decided to try it, and suffice to say, I agree with those people. “RE2” has perfect pacing, terrifying enemies and fun, secret-filled level design. It maintains an excellent balance between feeling powerful and helpless. Both for me and the game’s characters, “RE2” is about leaving your comfort zone, and I’m so glad I did.
Cuphead
added august 15, 2019
If you think a hand-drawn game based on 1930s animation sounds ambitious, you’d be right. Now if you add elaborate bosses bursting with personality, extremely tight run-and-gun controls and an amazing jazz soundtrack, you have “Cuphead.” Just watch a few seconds of “Cuphead” and it’s easy to see how it took more than five years to make such an amazing game. It’s so rare that I play a game that excels on so many fronts, but the gameplay, art style and music of “Cuphead” come together perfectly. Fair warning, this game is tough but totally worth seeing through. I played it on Switch, but it is also available on Xbox, PC and Mac.
Spider-Man (PS4)
added january 25, 2019
Insomniac Games’ “Spider-Man” is what every game should be: a constant joy to play. Swinging around the perfectly realized New York City is an impressive design feat, and I couldn’t get enough of this game’s fluid and exhilarating movement system. But best of all, this game’s original Spider-Man story does so much justice to characters like Peter Parker, Mary Jane Watson, Miles Morales and Aunt May. The whole game is a constant reminder for why fans fell in love with Spider-Man in the first place. Well done, Insomniac.
Celeste
added December 24, 2018
Matt Thorson and Noel Berry did the impossible with “Celeste.” They made me care about a 2D platformer’s story. Not only that, “Celeste” tells one of my favorite video game stories in years. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say “Celeste” is my favorite interpretation of mental health this year across any medium. Plus, the artwork is beautiful, the gameplay is tough but very rewarding and Lena Raine’s soundtrack is perfect. Buy the game on any modern system, and stream the soundtrack if you need great writing music.
Shadow of the Colossus (PS4 Remake)
added november 26, 2018
I know. I’m very late to the party with this 2005 critical darling, but after beating this heartbreaking game, it immediately became one of my favorite games of all time. Fumito Ueda’s masterpiece is proof that video games are art. It does so much with so little (it only took me six hours to beat), while still providing some of the most breathtaking moments in gaming I’ve ever experienced. Bluepoint Games’ 2018 remake was the perfect way for me to experience this giant-slaying epic, and I urge you to experience it too.